Obituaries in this edition are: Bennette Teal Watson and Margie Lucretia Evans.

Bennette Teal Watson
East Brewton

Bennette Teal Watson, 85, of Florida Street in East Brewton, passed away Fri., May 1, 2015, at her residence after a brief illness.
She died peacefully at home attended by friends and care providers.
She was born on August 19, 1929 in Blue Springs to Bennett Daniel Teal and Janie S. Teal. She was an only child and adored by both parents.
She attended the Barbour County High School and graduated in 1947 She also graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery and Troy State University in Troy.
She taught school at Flomaton High School for a brief period of time.
After her marriage to Gilbert Francis Watson in 1951, she moved to Brewton where she was employed at Hines Realty as an officer in the company in the accounting and bookkeeping department for more than 30 years.
She was married to Gilbert for more than 61 years.
She was a devoted Christian for many years and was an excellent example of a Proverbs 31 woman of faith.
Her dedication to the Lord Jesus as her savior was a huge part of who she was a person.
She had many wonderful friends with whom she enjoyed spending time.
She was a member of the East Brewton First United Methodist Church and served as a substitute Sunday school teacher as well as many other positions in the church.
One of her hobbies was the pleasure of playing Mexican dominoes with two clubs but she would never admit to being a champion player.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her but know that she has achieved her goal of making Heaven her home.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert, and her parents.
She is survived by stepdaughter, Gilda Wilkerson of Birmingham; brother-in-law, Harvey Watson of East Brewton; as well as many loving family members and friends.
She received in home care by Homestead Hospice as well as by Candlelight Compassion LLC.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the excellent care she received.
Visitation will held today from 9 until 10 a.m. at the East Brewton United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. at the East Brewton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jesse Lough and the Rev. Jean Spikes officiating.
Interment will follow in Fort Crawford Cemetery with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton directing.
Condolences may be sent and obituaries can be read at williamsmemorialchapel.com.

Margie Lucretia Evans
Hurley, Miss.

Margie Lucretia Evans O’Neal DeGroote, 77, peacefully passed away at her home in Hurley, Miss., on Thurs., April 23, 2015, after a long struggle with numerous health conditions.
She was born in Georgiana on September 14, 1937, to Jesse Raymond Evans and Harriette Laurene Sellers Evans Williamson.
She attended T. R. Miller High School and graduated in 1955. As a lifelong learner, she graduated from a small business school in Montgomery in 1958, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 1977 with an associate’s degree in nursing, and two degrees from the University of South Alabama: a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1985 and a master’s degree in nursing in 1991.
As a young child, she and her family lived in several cities before they settled in Brewton in 1946.
She attended the Community of Christ Church with her family and enjoyed singing in the choir, playing the piano and cooking throughout her life.
She was married to Billy C. O’Neal from 1959-1987, and they had four children who kept her busy during these years.
In addition to being a fulltime mother, she graduated from nursing school and began her calling. she and John W, DeGroote, M.D. were married on June 21, 1990 in Hurley, Miss.
She and John shared an active life for many years raising and showing Arabian horses and Senepol cattle as well as juggling their busy careers.
She worked for Motors Insurance Company in Pensacola, Fla., from 1958-1959 and the Singing River Hospital System from 1977-2000. During her years as a nurse, she worked mainly at Ocean Springs Hospital in labor and delivery, education, and was the director of nursing.
After retiring she enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Additionally, she and her husband John were both involved with the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association where she served as an officer.
Over the past 15 years, she and John travelled to many cities in the United States as well as South and Central America promoting the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Laurene; her step-father, J. Edward Williamson; her sister, Rita F. Oyler, and previous husband, Billy C. O’Neal.
She is survived by her loving husband, John W. DeGroote, MD, of Hurley Miss; her children, Patrick O’Neal (Shino) of Alpharetta, Ga., Josephine O’Neal of Cumming, Ga., Janet O’Neal of Tuscaloosa and Michael O’Neal of Tuscaloosa; her step-children, Thomas DeGroote (Rose) of Hawaii, John S. DeGroote (Hillary) of Dallas, Texas, Jessica Spencer (John) of Willington, N.C., and Jerusha Stephens (David) of Jackson, Miss.; her brother Jack O. Evans (Brenda) of Independence, Mo.; her 12 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held at the Williams Funeral Home in Brewton, on Sat., May 2.
Pallbearers were Sean O’Neal, Jeffery Swanson, Persy Herrera, Michael J. O’Neal, Paul Matthews and Johnny Miller.
Donations can be made to either the Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled Veterans Americans.
The children of Lucretia would like to personally thank Tiffany Bouler, the staff at Plaza Nursing Home, Singing River Hospital and John DeGroote’s office for their kindness and support in caring for their mother.
Condolences may be sent and obituaries can be read at williamsmemorialchapel.com.